Study of Pattern of Admissions and Outcomes in a Level II NICU in Northern India: An Experience
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Date
2023-08
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International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research
Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal mortality, defined as the number of neonatal deaths (below age of 28 days) per 1000 live births is the most important cause of Under Five mortality in developing nations like India.NICU facilities available in a region are an important indicator of neonatal mortality and play an important role in reduction of neonatal deaths especially among poor urban populations in the country. Aims: Analysis of NICU admissions helps to identify the common causes of admissions, their prognostic implications and potential for prevention of risk factors associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 751 neonates over a period of six months at the NICU at Kasturba Hospital, Delhi, India.The neonates were categorised on the basis of their weight and causes of admission and the outcomes were followed to determine major causes of neonatal mortality. Results: In our study, the maximum number of admissions were of children belonging to the Low Birth Weight category followed by Normal Birth Weight. The least number of admissions were seen in the Extremely Low Birth Weight class.The death rate in the NICU for the period in our study was 5.99% with 45 deaths occurring among the 751 admissions.Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Sepsis (pneumonia/meningitis/septicaemia) were jointly found to be the leading causes of neonatal mortality. Severe Birth Asphyxia, Prematurity and Meconium Aspiration were among the other major causes of deaths in NICU. Conclusion: Adherence to more stringent asepsis guidelines, timely identification of risk factors for birth complications and appropriate interventions including immediate referral to higher Center when required could further decrease the likelihood of neonatal deaths.
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Keywords
Neonatal Mortality, NICU, Prematurity, Low Birth Weight
Citation
Maitri Ayoniza, Kumar Rajesh. Study of Pattern of Admissions and Outcomes in a Level II NICU in Northern India: An Experience. International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research. 2023 Aug; 10(8): 1-2